Haskoning and Rebel have received official approval from the Kenyan Private Public Partnership Directorate for their Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) to advance the Naivasha Special Economic Zones Bulk Water Supply Project. The two organizations will collaborate with Africa Water Infrastructure Development (AWID), WaterConnect, and the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) to develop, finance, construct, and operate a water supply and wastewater treatment project in Naivasha, Kenya. The town is experiencing rapid urban and industrial growth, alongside increasing pressure on water resources.
In Naivasha, some residents currently access water through kiosks. Transitioning to household water connections is expected to influence both public well-being and quality of life. With the population projected to reach 575,000 by 2030, demand for improved infrastructure is anticipated to grow. The project aligns with the government’s economic transformation goals, which emphasize the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and highlights the role of water infrastructure in supporting development.
Haskoning and Rebel led the development of the project’s pre-feasibility study as part of Kenya’s public-private partnership strategy. They also structured and mobilized funding for the initiative, which includes an investment of €90 million in new infrastructure and operational services aimed at delivering reliable drinking water to both residents and the SEZ.
Michel Riemersma, Project Director for Water International at Haskoning, stated: “We are committed to delivering long-term sustainable benefits for communities and the environment. This complex project has the potential to positively impact the lives of residents, strengthen the economy and protect the natural environment and biodiversity. By supporting this project, we can not only help secure water supply for households but also support the ambitious growth plans of the SEZ. This approach extended our role beyond the traditional scope of consultancy, positioning us as both project initiator and developer, and reinforces our commitment to enhancing society together.”
Haskoning and Rebel led the development of the project’s pre-feasibility study as part of Kenya’s public-private partnership strategy
Effective water resource management is considered essential for maintaining the ecosystem of Lake Naivasha, a Ramsar-listed wetland that supports a range of biodiversity, including bird species and a notable hippopotamus population. The region is also known for its horticulture and floriculture industries, which contribute significantly to Kenya-Netherlands trade relations.
The PIP’s approval follows the signing of a Letter of Intent between the governments of Kenya and the Netherlands. Under this agreement, the Netherlands is providing a €1.5 million grant to support the project's development phase. The grant is managed by Invest International, a public-private financial institution focused on global development financing. Haskoning and Rebel have also secured backing from additional partners, including WaterConnect, AWID, and PIDG. AWID will contribute operational and development expertise to the initiative.
Established in 2023 by Metito Utilities and British International Investment (BII), AWID focuses on climate-resilient water projects across Africa. The organization aims to expand access to safe water, enable wastewater treatment and recycling, and strengthen climate resilience through water security. It also promotes commercially viable water infrastructure investment in the region.
PIDG, through its InfraCo arm, develops and manages infrastructure projects from initial stages to operation in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
WaterConnect is a project development firm that supports early-stage investment in water and sanitation. The company brings technical and financial expertise to enhance water access, quality, and sustainability in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Rob Winters, Director at Rebel, commented: “Bridging the gap between the drinking water infrastructure needs and existing financial resources was at the heart of our proposal. Due to our previous experience and solid understanding of the Kenyan regulatory landscape, we were able to work with the Kenyan and Dutch authorities, partners and financiers to design an innovative project development and funding model. We are excited about making the transition from financial and transaction advisors to developers and investors in PPPs in Africa, after successfully doing so in other parts of the world.”
Michel Riemersma added: “This project could be a gamechanger in water-scarce Kenya. And provide an innovative model for PPPs that improve access to water and sanitation across Africa and around the world.”
The Naivasha project remains in the development phase, which will involve detailed assessments of community, environmental, and biodiversity impacts. These studies will inform plans to enhance positive outcomes and minimize any potential adverse effects.
